Places To Visit In Kandy

1 km
from city center 1 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Sri Dalada Maligawa is the Sinhalese name for this holy shrine. Famously called Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it is touted to be the most sacred Buddhist temple in the whole world. It houses the tooth of Buddha nestled in a golden chamber and is within the premises of the royal palace complex (formerly a princely state). Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is said that whichever state holds the tooth relic, maintains an essential place in the governance of the country.  

1 km
from city center 2 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya or Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha is a Theravada Buddhist temple atop a hill in Kandy. True to its name “Big Buddha” is known for being a powerful and giant Buddha statue that overlooks the princely state of Kandy. It shows Buddha taking the Dhyana Mudra position, which was how he attained enlightenment. A trip to the Big Buddha serves as a pilgrimage, adventure and overall soul-searching experience. 

27 km
from city center 3 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was launched to provide shelter and nourishment to abandoned, injured and maimed elephants. The ideology behind this project revolves around the care of abandoned baby elephants, who cannot survive without their mothers.

3 km
from city center 4 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The Kandy War Cemetery is 1.5 kilometres from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens entrance and 5 kilometres from Kandy Railway Station. Visitors can walk through the graves of 196 Allied officers buried at this beautifully landscaped cemetery. They can also visit the Botanical Gardens and the nearby Garrison Cemetery.

28 km
from city center 5 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Dedicated to caring for, protecting and treating elephants, the Millenium Elephant Foundation was established in 1999 and is family-run. Visitors can go on bareback elephant rides or instead go on walks with the elephants, watching in awe as these majestic animals amble along. They can also help elephants bathe in the river, take an elephant shower, or visit an elephant dung factory. The foundation is funded by visitors and volunteers.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The International Buddhist Museum or World Buddhist Museum is the first of its kind in the world and is in the cultural and administrative capital of Sri Lanka Kandy. It is nestled in the complex that once served as the King’s residence along with the National Museum and Temple of the Tooth, hence its structure exhibits royalty, grandeur and elegance at its best. It compiles Buddhism, the extensive history of its teachings and depth of knowledge through scrolls, artefacts and souvenirs from all over the world. 

7 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated at an altitude 2,100–2,300 metres and located in Central Sri Lanka. It is a government protected area which is surrounded by massive cloudy forests and never-ending grasslands. Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination to visit the famed ‘World’s End Cliff’, a long, steep plunge of 880m where the plateau comes to a dramatic stop.

1 km
from city center 8 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and 3 kilometres from the Kandy Railway Station, the last person buried in this cemetery was in 1951. Caretaker Charles Carmichael guides visitors through the cemetery, narrating the lives of those buried here. Visitors can enjoy an experience completely free of outside sound amidst the trees and the lake the cemetery overlooks.

0 km
from city center 9 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Among the many names given to this island country like Lanka, Lakdiva, Serendib, Sri Lanka was also named Ceylon - during British Colonialism - reminding us of the famous Ceylon tea that origins in Sri Lanka. Situated at Hantana, 3 KM away from main Kandy city, Ceylon Tea Museum was structured in 1925 as the former Hantana Tea factory. Later in 1998, this tea factory was converted into the famous Ceylon Tea Museum.

1 km
from city center 10 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The sea of Milk or Kiri Muhuda as it is dearly called by the people is an artificial lake bordering the Royal Palace and Royal Gardens. The lake corresponds to the monastery, royalty and overall culture and beliefs of the people; it has elements of historical importance associated with it as it. Boat rides on the lake is a fun way to spend an evening here. There are local boat operators who offer tours of Kandy Lake and thereby a view of the royal city and its natural scenic beauty.

0 km
from city center 11 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Visiting Sri Lanka's second largest city, Kandy and not exploring Kandy viewpoint will be a major miss. Located 1.7 KM from the main Kandy city, Kandy view point is regarded as the highest point in the city from where one can appreciate Kandy lake as if just below their feet and also the Dalada Maligawa Temple.

5 km
from city center 12 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

he most prominent gardens in Sri Lanka, Royal Botanical Gardens are situated 5 km west of Kandy. Colourful orchids, pleasant winds, tall trees. and proximity with the Mahaweli river is a beautiful “flora and aqua” treat for the eyes. The gardens are home to more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is a 147 acre - natural elegance holding landscaped gardens and scenic beauty, making it a photographers dream.

5 km
from city center 13 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The Ranweli Spice Garden located near Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden also provides a pick-up service available from Kandy to the Ranweli Spice Garden. They organize guided tours for visitors where the English-speaking guide explains the essentials of flavor generation and its history.

84 km
from city center 14 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The famous Lankatilaka temple of the Gampola period, attached with a rich history and incredible architecture, portrays the essence of Sri Lanka from the 14th century during the Gampola reign. It is located in Kandy near the Gadaladeniya Vihara Buddhist temple. The Lankatilaka temple was built on Panhalgala rock, a natural rock and has three sections - the Temple building (which has the Buddha Image house in the east and Temples of God in the west), the Stupa and the Bo tree. Various rock inscriptions in sinhalese and tamil can be found defining the history of the land and the temple.

5 km
from city center 15 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Arunalu Spice Garden is one of the most popular spice gardens in Matale, Sri Lanka. Visitors have to pay a small entry fee to embark on an aromatic journey among the plantations and learn more about their cultivation. Relaxing massage packages are also available at the Arunalu Spice Garden for those who want to indulge in a calming experience.

0 km
from city center 16 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Sri Lankan history and heritage, which has come a long way over the decades, is rightly preserved in the National Museum in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Formerly known as Palle Vahala, the museum earlier used to serve as accommodation for royal guests.

0 km
from city center 17 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Kandy’s legacy and heritage remains incomplete without getting a glimpse of the Royal Palace of Kandy, situated in the north to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Before British Colonialism overtook the Kandyan Kingdom, this was the last royal structure built in the heart of Kandy city by Vikramabahu III in the 14th century.

24 km
from city center 18 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The Luckyland Spice Garden, located in Hingula, grows, cultivates and commercially sells spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and cardamom. The special Sri Lankan curry powder produced with the organically grown spices is a good buy. Visitors can also see ornamental plants such as cocoa, saffron and sandalwood at the Luckyland Spice Garden.

0 km
from city center 19 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Knuckles Mountain range is an unusual terrestrial landform located in Matale and Kandy, in Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name was given by the British, and the locals call this range 'Dumbara Kanduvetiya', which means mist-laden mountains. Knuckles Mountain Range is called so because of its uncanny resemblance to the fingers of a clenched fist. The range is a World Heritage Conservation Area and is relatively untouched. The range features 34 peaks, ranging between 900 metres to 2000 metres. Five of these mountain peaks make the formation of a clenched fist.

33 km
from city center 20 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The Sirilak Spice and Herbal Botanical Garden located in Matale houses various spice plants. In addition to witnessing these plants, visitors also learn more about their medicinal benefits through guided tours. There are shops inside the garden selling organic herbs and spices as well.

0 km
from city center 21 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Huluganaga falls is located in a rustic town of the same name. Situated 30kms away Kandy, the falls is approximately an hour to an hour and a half journey to reach.

10 km
from city center 22 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Sri Lanka and its tea plantations go hand in hand. In the central province of Sri Lanka stands Giragama Tea Plantation, a quaint village known for tea cultivation. Giragama was one of the first few plantations near Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka.

32 km
from city center 23 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

You can explore the Royal Spice Garden in Matale to understand how the herbs and spices are grown and processed. Ayurvedic medicines for conditions such as diabetes are available at the Garden’s sales counter. Visitors must be cautious while purchasing using their debit/credit cards as card cloning fraud is a common worry in and around the place.

4 km
from city center 24 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Known as the spice island, Sri Lanka has three famous spice gardens – Ranweli spice gardens in Kandy and Arunalu spice gardens in Matale and the New Ranweli Spice gardens in Kandy. The renowned spice gardens of Kandy and their exuberant quality lies in the fact that they are produced through organic farming and have received a fair trade certification.

0 km
from city center 25 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Mountains have the power to uplift your spirits; a reason why mountains are the most sought after destinations for all kinds of tourists. One such spot in the heart of the island country, Sri Lanka is Hanthana mountain range. The spectacular view that you get of the entire Kandy city from Hanthana mountain range will keep you awestruck for your entire journey.

0 km
from city center 26 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Maduru Oya National Park is home to the two main aspects of Sri Lanka’s tourism—plenty of diverse wildlife and fascinating Buddhist ruins. The park was established in 1983 and also shelters some members of the indigenous Vedda tribe. With a population numbering more than a hundred, Asian elephants are the best feature of this national park. Maduru Oya National Park is a serene location in the most real sense of the word—often, you might be the only tourists around, making it seem like a private tour of the country’s spectacular landscape and wildlife.

0 km
from city center 27 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Galamaduwa Raja Maha Viharaya is an old temple located in the Kalapura Village in Kandy district in Sri Lanka, which is a good place to visit for history enthusiasts; especially those that like to explore uncrowded places.

0 km
from city center 28 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Built in 1771 AD under the reign of King Rajadhi Rajasinha, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara is an old Buddhist rock temple located in the Kandy district in Sri Lanka.

0 km
from city center 29 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Founded by King Vikramabahu III between 1357-1374 AD, Embekka Devalaya is an ancient temple dedicated to the guardian deity Kataragama deviyo and the local deity Devatha Bandara of Sri Lanka.

0 km
from city center 30 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Hunnas Falls is tucked away in a small village that is located approximately 22 km from Kandy. Considered to be one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kandy, Hunas Falls is also a popular honeymoon destination. The waterfall vicinity also houses multiple hotels that are easily accessible from Kandy.

0 km
from city center 31 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Located in Hasalaka, Rathna Ella is the 14th highest waterfall (111 meters) in the country. A popular trekking destination, visitors would have to undertake a 3-km trek along the water channel bracketed by lush green forests to reach the falls.

0 km
from city center 32 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Asupini Ella located in Aranayake, Mawanella is 43 km from Kandy. Surrounded by thickets of greenery, this attraction provides a scenic view. As the road leading to the falls is in poor condition, it can be challenging to access Asupini Ella Falls at times.

0 km
from city center 33 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Situated 47 km from Kandy, Kadiyanalena Falls is approximately a 2-hour journey from Kandy.

0 km
from city center 34 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Located along the connecting railway lines between Colombo and Badulla, Galboda Falls is can be reached only via train as there is no proper developed road system.

0 km
from city center 35 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Located 40 km away from Kandy, the Sudugala Falls is located on the Samanalagama Road in the Nawalapitiya area close to the Heightenford railway platform. Also known as Heightenford Falls and Galpoththa Ella Falls, the waterfall ends in a 2-feet deep wide shallow pool.

0 km
from city center 36 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Located in Gomara village, 30 km from Kandy, Saree Ella Waterfall is approximately an hour-long journey to reach. Resembling the pallu of a saree, this waterfall provides mesmerising views.

0 km
from city center 37 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Located in Gomara, Jodu Ella Waterfall is approximately 36 km from Kandy. Also known as ‘Bambarella Knuckles falls’, this twin-falls have identical lengths of 45 meters and cascade simultaneously from both ends of the mountain into the Mahaweli River via Hulu Ganga River. A kilometer’s trek is needed to reach the falls.

1 km
from city center 38 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is an important bio-reserve located on a hillside beside the Dalada Maligawa and spans 257 acres. Trekking through the forest’s dense and diverse vegetation, tourists can visit three Buddhist monasteries here. Wide varieties of orchids grow in the forest, as well as several indigenous species of trees and shrubs. The toque macaques, barking deer, and slender loris are only some of the animals visitors can come across, while around 80 species of birds make this a birdwatcher’s paradise.

75 km
from city center 39 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is only a bus ride away from Kandy, with direct buses taking only an hour to make the journey. The Sigiriya Rock is 650 metres high, and visitors can climb two of the rocks at this fortress. Lion’s Rock is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the gorgeous view atop the Rock is well worth the Rs 4,500 entrance fee. Pidirunga Rock is much cheaper to enter, at Rs 450, and offers excellent views of Lion’s Rock and the mountains around Kandy. Visitors can also check out Sigiriya museum’s exhibits on the excavation of the citadel.

0 km
from city center 40 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

The 7-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella takes tourists through the most scenic route Sri Lanka has to offer. The open doors and windows of the old-fashioned train mean travellers can literally experience the wind in their hair as they take in the green rolling hills, tea farms, waterfalls and hilltop villages. The train stops at hilltop towns like Haputale and Nuwara Eliya, and tourists can explore the tea plantations there.

0 km
from city center 41 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Wales Park, also known as The Royal Palace Park, offers majestic views of Kandy Lake and the city. Tourists can walk through the walking trails and the woodlands and check out the Japanese field gun on show. Lord Mountbatten had presented this field gun to the city of Kandy, and it is on display under a pavilion guarded by statues of lions and separated from the main walkway by a moat.

10 km
from city center 42 out of 42
places to visit in Kandy

Almost synonymous with cricket, Sri Lanka has eight stadiums all over the country. The Pallekele cricket stadium, capable of hosting 35,000 spectators, was established in 2008 and is half an hour’s drive to the east of Kandy city-centre. It was built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup and hosts both test and one-day international matches. Visitors could catch an international match here or watch the local Kandurata cricket team play. It is open from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.